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May 16, 2018: Registration Closing for Chinese Investment Program

We send our thanks to everyone who joined us today at Union Station for an enlightening luncheon program to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Pittsburgh Agreement. KU Professor Nathan Wood offered excellent historical context, and we enjoyed getting to know Ambassador Hynek Kmoníček of the Czech Republic and Slovak Consul General Ladislava Begeç. Special thanks to Honorary Consuls Ross Marine and Sharon Valasek, the Czech & Slovak Club of Kansas City, and the World Trade Center–Kansas City for making this memorable event possible.

Next week we'll be back at Union Station for a lunch panel discussion on opportunities and challenges posed by Chinese investment in the U.S. If you haven't already done so, please do take a look at the expert panelists who will join us ». We encourage you to sign up by the end of this week to help with planning, and we look forward to seeing you there!

Children's Mercy, KU Medical Center, and UMKC are three treasured organizational members of the IRC, and we can't wait to learn more about their international efforts at a networking hour on Wednesday, May 30, at the beautiful Diastole Scholars' Center. If you have some time to stop by, please join us – especially if you've never had a tour of Children's Mercy! This is a great way for new and seasoned individual and organizational members of the IRC to get to know each other, so the more, the merrier!

There are some other interesting events coming up, so do take a look at the calendar below. Thanks for being part of this dynamic community.

WEEKLY WORLD NEWS DIGESTEach week, the World Affairs Councils of America publishes a digest of news stories covering topics from around the world. This week's edition focuses on North Korea talks, the Israel-Palestine conflict, Iraq's new PM, the Rohingya Crisis, and Burundi elections. Read more »

THIS WEEK ON THE WORLD CITIZEN BLOG
This week, the IRC's World Citizen Blog is a reflection on the 100th anniversary of the Pittsburgh Agreement, which led to the establishment of Czechoslovakia. We welcome blog contributions from IRC members and friends. If you are interested in writing a blog post, please review some frequently asked questions », where you'll also find out how to submit your post.

APPLICATIONS OPENBarbara Dolci International Studies ScholarshipGlobal Ties KC is please to announce we are accepting applications for the Barbara Dolci International Studies Scholarship for 2018. Amount: $500 Eligibility: The contest is open to any student who is interested in international education, volunteering, or study abroad. The scholarship is awarded to students who are pursuing opportunities related to international affairs and/ or public/ community service. Scholarship funds can be used, but are not limited to the following purposes: Continued studies in an international field, study abroad opportunities, student research or service and international travel related to education and humanitarian aid. The application deadline has been extended to May 18, 2018. Click here for more information and to apply »

Internships in MexicoMexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in partnership with the U.S.-Mexico Foundation and the National Commission for Indigenous Peoples, is extending to American students interested an internship in Mexico this coming summer of 2018. Potential participants are required to be fluent in Spanish, enrolled in the third or fourth year of college education, and to commit to perform community work in regular business days for the duration of the internship. Lodging, meals and round transportation will be provided to the selected students. No monetary compensation is available. The full description of the program, along with the instructions for applying to the different projects and locations in Mexico are available here ».

Immigrant and Opportunity Youth VISTAThe VISTA will serve the immigrant and opportunity youth populations of the Greater Kansas City Area by reviewing and assessing how the YMCA of GKC currently serves the target populations. The VISTA will also gather and assess data, identify and expand partnerships to engage immigrant communities in the YMCA of GKC, and provide analysis and information useful for grant and other funding applications. As a result of the VISTA's service, resources on breaking the cycle of poverty will be more readily available, and Y associates will have a greater ability to communicate those resources.Click here for more information »

HELP US GET TO KNOW OUR MEMBERSIRC members are remarkable individuals and organizations who bring considerable international experience, connections, and curiosity to our network and offer unique perspectives and contributions – in some cases, for decades! To help members get to know one another and to celebrate our members' many efforts, we've started highlighting individual and organizational members in the IRC newsletter and on the website. If you know someone who deserves the spotlight, or if you wish to share your own story, please submit this form ». We look forward to getting to know our IRC members!

UPCOMING IRC EVENTSRegistration OpenThe Opportunities and Challenges of Chinese Investment in the U.S.: A Public Forum –Thursday, May 24 – 11:30-1 p.m. – KC Chamber Board Room, Union Station
Join us to learn about the practical opportunities and challenges of inbound foreign direct investment from China from the perspective of local communities and business partners, and Chinese investors themselves. Panelists will comment on the U.S. business environment and discuss trends in Chinese investment, as well as opportunities foreign investment offers the Greater Kansas City region. This event is open to the public and lunch will be served. Registration link available below. Read more and register »

Free EventIRC Networking Hour – Wednesday, May 30 – 5-7 p.m. – Diastole Scholars Center IRC networking hours give IRC members and friends the chance to get to know each other and the work of the IRC's organizational partners. On Wednesday, May 30, please join us at Diastole Scholars' Center on Hospital Hill as we get to know Children's Mercy Hospital, the University of Kansas Medical Center, and the University of Missouri–Kansas City. All are invited to this free networking event. Refreshments provided; tours of Children's Mercy Hospital available. Read more and register »

Free EventGlobal Experience: The Fulbright Program – Wednesday, June 6 – 6-7:30 p.m. – Milwaukee Deli
The IRC's Global Experience series asks, "What's your global story? Do you have the chance to share it?" Join IRC member Jim Scott and other Fulbright Program alumni as they share about their specific experiences with the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government. Other Fulbright alumni, Fulbright organizing partners, and interested individuals are most welcome. The event is free and open to the public; reservations are requested to help with planning. Read more and register »

Free Event
Decisions: US Global Engagement and the Military– Tuesday, June 12 – 6:30-8 p.m. (Reception at 6) – WWI MuseumAs the global power balance evolves, the United States faces complex questions concerning the roles of its military. Join us for an expert panel conversation featuring Juan Ulloa, Command and General Staff College, and Daniel Mahanty, Center for Civilians in Conflict, as they address the differing views of the U.S. military in the 21st century global community. Presented in partnership with the National World War I Museum & Memorial. Cash bar/small plates begins at 6 p.m. FREE with RSVP. Read more and register »

Free EventIRC Book Club: The Limits of Soft Power and the Necessity of Military Force – Thursday, June 21 – 6:30-8 p.m. – Kauffman Foundation Conference CenterAfter considering U.S. global engagement and the military as part of the 2018 Great Decisions conversations, the IRC Book Club will meet on Thursday, June 21, to discuss Eliot Cohen's new book about the limits of soft power and the necessity of military force. This program is free and open to the public, though reservations are requested to help with planning. Please join us! Read more and register »

Family EventWorld Refugee Day – Saturday, June 23 – 11-2 p.m. – Ricci Auditorium at KC University of Medicine & BiosciencesAt the IRC we talk about what's going on around the world and its connection to our local community. This year, the IRC is proud to partner with a range of area organizations to put on the 11th annual World Refugee Day celebration, a global event that recognizes the impact of refugees on our Kansas City community and beyond. Last year, more than 500 people, including refugees from 14 countries, attended and enjoyed entertainment, food, and fun for the whole family. Please join us! Read more here »

Registration OpenYour Global Future – Tuesday, October 16 – 9-3 p.m. – Union StationAway from the borders and coasts, Kansas City-area students are often surprised to find just how many international academic and professional opportunities await them after high school. This unique college and career fair will bring together dozens of international businesses, organizations, and colleges and universities to show students just how global their future can be. The program will be underwritten by support from the participating organizations and generous Kansas City-area donors to ensure that attendance is completely cost-free for teachers and students. Sponsor packages to increase visibility and impact are available, and schools will be eligible to receive up to $200 to offset the cost of bus transportation. Read more here »

IRC SPEAKERS BUREAUAn incredible network of experienced professionals, travelers, and internationalists in the Kansas City metro area make up the IRC community. With this in mind, the IRC Speakers Bureau facilitates connections between these experts and local organizations, schools, and businesses who are interested in having them speak or present at their events. Many current IRC members are eligible to join the Speakers Bureau as speakers, and the service is free for IRC member organizations. Click here » to learn more, sign up to be a speaker, or request a speaker for your upcoming event.

IRC PROGRAM SUGGESTION BOX
Have an idea for an IRC topic, program, or speaker? We'd love to hear from you! Please complete this form » as often as ideas come to you, and share it with others who might be interested. We may contact you for more information, and you may see your idea in a future IRC program or publication.

OTHER INTERNATIONAL EVENTS IN KANSAS CITYDoes your business or organization have an upcoming event that could be of interest to IRC members? To have your event considered for inclusion in future IRC newsletters, please contact Matthew Hughes ».

Dinner-Dance: 45th Anniversary of Sister City Relationship Between Kansas City and Morella (Mexico), presented by the Kansas City Sister Cities AssociationSaturday, August 18– 6:30 p.m.-12 a.m. – Intercontinental Hotel at the Plaza

INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN KANSAS CITYDo you know of a volunteer opportunity that would allow IRC members to work with individuals from a variety of countries and cultures or that focuses on international topics or global issues? To have the opportunity considered for inclusion in the Volunteer Center or future IRC newsletters, please contact Matthew Hughes ».

Please click here » to visit the IRC Volunteer Center for more information on one-time and ongoing opportunities to support the IRC and other international initiatives.

The American Councils Seeks Host Families for Exchange StudentsThe American Councils » is looking for caring host families for merit-based scholar exchange students for the 2018-19 school year. These students come from the Middle East, Central Asia, S.E. Asia, some African nations, and eastern and southeast Europe. Of all the students who apply for the programs, some 3% are accepted to come to the U.S. Students receive a stipend of $125/month for personal expenses, and host families are reimbursed up to $300 for school related expenses, including winter clothes. Interested families are invited to contact Don Marsolek, Local Coordinator, American Councils and FPA member at happyforwandering@gmail.­com », or 913-558-5791.

PREP-KC Seeks Volunteers to Mentor Students
For more information, contact PREP-KC ». To register for an opportunity, click here ».

Career Jumping is a fast-paced career exploration experience (set up like speed-dating) where professionals talk with 3-5 students in eight-minute increments to share their career stories. We are seeking professionals from all fields.

Mad City Money is a "game of life" designed to increase students' financial literacy. We are needing volunteers from all backgrounds to staff booths regarding topics including mortgage, transportation, daycare, and others. Directions for each booth will be provided to volunteers upon arrival. MCM is in partnership with the UMKC's Center for Economic Education and United Way of Greater Kansas City.

Career Speakers talk with students about their career pathway and how school is relevant to their future. Volunteers rotate through multiple classrooms for approximately 15 minutes each. PREP-KC is seeking volunteers from Arts, Communications, Health, Human Services, Business, IT, Engineering, Manufacturing, Construction, Trades, and other related fields for all events.

IGNITE are hands-on experiences to expose students to a range of careers through interactive booths. We can help volunteers create an activity. We are seeking volunteers from all backgrounds.

KC Public Library Seeks VolunteersRefugee & Immigrant Services & Empowerment is a division of the Kansas City Public Library’s Outreach Department, dedicated to connecting refugee and immigrant patrons and community members to resources for their success. RISE seeks volunteers for the following programs:

English in Action: once a week for two hours, meet with a single mentee to help them improve their English speaking skills as their Conversation Mentor. This program occurs at library locations of the participants’ choice.